Register of Wills & Clerk of Orphans' Court Division

Marriage Records

How can I get a copy of a marriage record?

In Pennsylvania, the Clerk of the Orphans’ Court Division of each county is responsible for maintaining the records of all marriages in the county where the marriage license was issued.

In Delaware County, an individual may obtain a marriage record by either appearing in person to place your order or by mailing a letter of request to the Marriage Records Department. All requests must provide the applicant's complete names at the time of their marriage, as well as the appropriate fee, and date of marriage.

Upon receipt of a request, the Marriage Records Department will immediately conduct a search and prepare the marriage record requested. It is important to remember that a marriage record is maintained in the county where the marriage license was issued.

Why would I need a copy of a marriage record?

There are a variety of reasons why an individual may need a copy of a marriage record. For example, the Social Security Administration requires a “certified” marriage record in order to complete a name change. It is important to complete a name change prior to filing a joint income tax return with the Department of Treasury; otherwise, a tax refund will not be issued.

Other reasons why you may need a copy of a Marriage Record include: collecting Social Security or pension benefits, for mortgage, adoption or passport purposes and any other situation where proof of marriage is required.

It is recommended that before requesting a marriage record, you first determine the type of record which is appropriate for your needs.

What type of marriage records are available?

There are three types of marriage records available. The first is a plain copy of the marriage record which is not for official use but typically for family histories or personal use. The second type of marriage record is referred to as a “certified” copy which is usually used for in-state purposes, such as changing a name for Social Security Benefits. The third type is record available is an “exemplified” marriage record. This type of record is typically used for foreign governments and immigration.

What type of information is contained on a marriage record?

Traditionally, each applicant's full name, age, residence, occupation and place of birth are contained on marriage license applications. In addition, the name of each applicant's parents as well as their occupations and places of birth are part of each application.

The Delaware County Marriage Records Department maintains all marriage records for licenses issued in Delaware County from 1885 to the present. All of these records are open to the public and available for viewing.

What are the costs for marriage records?

The cost for Marriage Records vary from county to county Delaware County charges are as follows:

If paying by CHECK or MONEY ORDER:

Plain copy $ 6.00
Certified Copy $25.00
Exemplified Copy $30.00

If paying by CREDIT or DEBIT CARD (includes a 3% convenience fee):

Plain copy $ 6.18
Certified Copy $25.75
Exemplified Copy $30.90

If mailing in a request for a marriage record, please follow the instructions indicated on the marriage record order form below.

This fee will be waived for active or veteran members of the military when obtaining one certified copy of their own marriage record. Please provide proof of military service.